Court orders SARU to reappoint Watson

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Cape Town - South
Africa's labour court has ordered the South African Rugby Union (SARU)
to reappoint its former referees boss, Andre Watson.

In July 2015, SARU terminated Watson's employment as the organisation's General Manager Referees.

This, after an independent investigation was launched when a number
of people within SARU's Referees’ Department lodged grievances against
Watson due to his "dictatorial, strict and abrasive management style".

But Watson appealed that ruling and his lawyer, Bertie Grobbelaar, confirmed that the labour court ruled in his favour.

"The labour court rescinded the Commission for Conciliation,
Mediation and Arbitration's findings that there was enough proof to
dismiss André," Grobbelaar told Netwerk24.

"The court ordered SARU to reverse the sacking and instead they must sanction André with a written warning.

"The order also stipulates that he be restored, with immediate
effect, to his position at SARU. He must be given the same service
contract and benefits, as well as a large portion of his salary, which
he lost."

Watson, 59, refereed a record number of finals in the Rugby World Cup (2), Currie Cup (7) and Super Rugby (5).

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